Gosala

Some of the activities The Ashram Ashram,  Goshala:

Agnihotra: An oblation made into fire, of whole rice grains mixed in ghee (clarified butter). This is done to the recitation of certain mantras at the precise time of sunrise and sunset. Cow dung sticks feed the flame into which the offering is placed. Some benefits of daily performing Agnihotra include peace and purification of one’s immediate surroundings and building and repairing the ozone layer. The smoke from the homa (fire offering) also works as a mosquito repellent. The ash from the offering mixed with native cow dung works as a good fertilizer; ash mixed with desi (local) cow ghee has anti-bacterial properties and may be effectively applied on wounds. Research has proven the positive effects of Agnihotra for drug and alcohol de-addiction. The Agnihotra site attracts different species of birds. This fact has been proven in the goshala, which has now over a number of months, become a site for a number of exotic birds.

Mahamrityunjaya homa: Performed daily to ward off diseases, ensuring good health. The ghee and cow dung sticks used in Agnihotra and Mahamrityunjaya homa are made in-house.

Preservation and propagation: A bull’s and cow’s family history is first studied before mating begins to ensure a good pedigree. Near delivery time pregnancies are closely monitored.

Feeding: Cows are fed thrice a day. Fixed meals of fresh and dry fodder, gram husk, and mineral supplements are served to them in their sheds. They are let out mid-morning for grazing.

Milking: Cows are milked twice a day: at dawn and dusk. This is also the time when the young get a drink from their mothers. Milk is distributed in the ashram.

Green electricity: Production of biogas (methane) from cow dung for meeting energy needs.

Guided tours for visitors: Visitors are provided information regarding the different breeds of Indian cows and their material and spiritual benefit to society. Visitors with extra time may offer a helping hand by grooming cows and cleaning sheds.

Seva or selfless service: Hindus believe the Indian cow, houses the entire panorama of gods and goddesses. Cow seva (caring for the cows) is considered one of the highest forms of seva. Brushing cows is one of the seva activities open to visitors.

Go daan (Donate a Cow): This is considered the highest form of daan in the Hindu tradition.  For further details email: gosala@achyutaashram.com

Other activities in Achyuta Ashram Goshala: Bathing cows, cleaning sheds and open enclosures inspecting cows for injuries and ailments, and attending to the medical needs of the cows.

Earlier, every village in India had a gousala.

Deshi cows were protected and bred for pedigree purpose (to maintain original breeds in different climatic situation)

In every aspect, the cow is beneficial to man – the milk provides the required nutrition to the entire family, natural fertilizers and pesticides are manufactured from deshi cow dung. Deshi cow urine or Go-mutra is distilled for Ayurvedic medicinal purposes.

Cow dung is also used to line the floor and walls of buildings owing to its insect repellent properties.

In villages, in the cold weather, cow dung is used to line the walls of houses as a thermal insulator.

The dung is used for biogas and to generate electricity and heat.

The gas is a rich source of methane and is used in Rural areas of India to provide a renewable and stable source of electricity.

Revert to traditional, successful, low-cost farming methods.

Saving farmers from a life of hardship and debt.